Adapting Resource Packet Materials for Local Use

The Consortium for Emergency Contraception recognizes that ECP
service delivery systems and information needs will vary from place to place. As
such, the prototype materials included in this packet are designed to be adapted
by family planning and reproductive health care programme managers and others
according to the specific ECP product provided, the needs of the local
community, and programme or national regulations that may apply to the provision
of ECPs. While it is not necessary to seek permission from the Consortium to
adapt these materials, the Consortium would appreciate receiving copies of any
materials produced.

When adapting these materials, the following issues should be
considered:

· ECP product used -
These materials contain information about two types of ECPs (those containing
both estrogen and progestin and those containing only progestin). Programmes may
offer one or both of these methods, depending on local availability. The content
of the materials should be adapted to reflect those formulations that are
provided through the local programme.

· Proposed distribution
mechanisms - While a wide variety of distribution mechanisms can be used for
ECPs, each programme will need to examine its current contraceptive distribution
systems to determine how they can be adapted for ECP provision. The service
delivery guidelines should be adapted to reflect the local distribution
mechanisms that will be used (including a description of who is authorized to
distribute ECPs) and should include information on any changes in recordkeeping
systems that pertain to provision of ECPs.

· Local misperceptions or
misinformation about ECPs - An initial assessment of local knowledge and
attitudes about ECPs can help to identify common misperceptions or local beliefs
about ECPs that may hinder the introduction process. Programmes should adapt the
materials for clients, policy-makers, the media, community members, and service
delivery providers to address any misperceptions that are found during the
assessment.

· Local language and literacy
levels - Whenever possible, materials should be made available in the local
language and at the average reading level of the intended audience. Avoid using
terms that are too technical or difficult to understand. It may be necessary to
change the wording of the prototype materials to ensure they are understood by
the local audience. For instance, local terms can be substituted for words such
as uterus, menstrual period, or emergency
contraception if these terms are not readily understood during pretesting
with members of the intended audience (see below). For audiences with low
literacy levels, it may be helpful to develop materials that convey key messages
through illustrations with simple captions.

· Culturally appropriate
illustrations - The drawings used in the prototype client materials in this
packet are included to give you an idea of different types of illustrations that
can be used. They are not intended for reproduction. Programmes wishing
to adapt the materials for local use should work with a local artist to develop
illustrations that are appropriate to the local audience that will use the
materials.

Whenever materials are newly created or adapted, it is necessary
to pretest them before a final version is produced to ensure they are clear and
culturally appropriate. This can be done by holding one or more small group
discussions with representatives of the intended audience or by soliciting
comments from individuals. During the pretests, participants are asked a series
of questions about the materials to test their understanding of the
content of the materials and gather their suggestions for improvements so that
the intended messages are clearly communicated. The pretest results should be
used to revise the materials before they are published and distributed more
widely.